Running a snow and ice business comes with unique risks and liabilities, making it crucial to work with a trusted insurance agent who understands the industry. Here are five keys to ensure you’re getting the best possible return on this important relationship.
Your insurance agent is a valuable ally in the snow business, but not all agents are created equal. To find the right agent for your needs, start by leveraging your network. Ask other contractors who they use and who they trust. Look for an agent who has experience working with businesses like yours and is affiliated with other contractors in the industry.
For someone just starting in the snow and ice industry and looking for an insurance agent for the first time, I advise beginning with your industry trade associations. Membership in a trade association like SIMA is a no-brainer, since it provides access to valuable resources and networking opportunities. Check out SIMA’s insurance resources at www.sima.org/insurance.
Insurance policies can be complex, and it’s easy to get lost in the jargon. A good insurance agent can help you understand your coverage in plain language and explain important concepts such as deductibles, coverage limits, policy exclusions and endorsements. Clear communication is key to ensuring that you have the right coverage for your business and that you understand what is covered and what is not.
The right insurance coverage can save you money and protect your business and assets. Look for an agent who can tailor coverage to your business’s specific needs and risks. With a policy that protects your assets, you can feel confident and focus your efforts on growing your business.
The snow and ice industry is unique, and you need an insurance agent who understands the business and can handle your specific needs. They should be well-equipped with knowledge and, when necessary, do research on your behalf.
If you need to file a claim, a good insurance agent can guide you through the process and help you get the best possible outcome. They can also help you understand how claims affect your premiums and what you can do to minimize the impact. By working closely with your insurance agent, you can ensure that your claims are handled efficiently and effectively, minimizing the disruption to your business.
Managing risk is an essential part of ensuring the health of your business, so your agent should help you identify potential risks to your business and provide strategies to mitigate those risks. For example, they may recommend investing in better equipment, researching environmentally friendly products, and implementing a comprehensive business management solution to reduce the likelihood of accidents or errors.
We found an insurance agent who had 25 years of experience in the industry and had started his own agency. He provided solutions for our business’s unique challenges. He was an insider for us, not just a salesman or broker. He interviewed our president, who runs the company, and found many things he could improve in our equipment maintenance and record-keeping — and was valuable in ways we didn’t expect.
The insurance industry is constantly changing; a good insurance agent can keep you informed about changes to regulations, industry trends, and new products or services unique to your industry. By staying abreast of these changes, you can ensure that your business remains competitive and profitable.
Mike Rorie has been in the snow and ice industry for over four decades. He sold his company GIS Dynamics, creators of Go iLawn and Go iPave, to Aspire Software in 2021 to continue evolving both products for contractors. He remains an active participant and leader in the industry and is a board member for GroundSystems, Inc. in Cincinnati.